Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s journey is an example of classical storytelling and story structure. You may not have heard the term, but you have all seen it played out in every movie you’ve seen. Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lord of the Rings, Spiderman are all examples of the Hero’s Journey. The most important part of the journey is when our character accepts the quest that starts in ordinary world and leads him to the special world. In Star Wars, it is when Luke leaves his home planet and journeys to become a Jedi Knight.

Conflict is central in the hero’s journey. Both internal and external struggles will be experienced along the way. The journey brings about big change and commitment to the cause. Our character moves from limited awareness to increased awareness. Without the journey, it is impossible to grow as a person or to develop character. (That is our walk with God in a nutshell.) Also, meaning and purpose can be derived from the journey.

Stages of the Hero’s Journey

1. The Ordinary World
The audience meets the hero, discovers his or her ambitions and limitations, and forms a bond of identification and recognition.

2. The Call to Adventure
The hero is challenged to undertake a quest or solve some problem.

3. Refusal of the Call
The hero hesitates or expresses fear.

4. Meeting with the Mentor
The hero contacts some source of reassurance, experience, or wisdom.

5. Crossing the Threshold
The hero commits to the adventure and enters the Special World.

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Situations and people help the hero discover what is special about the Special World.

7. The Approach
The hero prepares for a central battle of confrontation with the forces of failure.

8. The Ordeal
The central crisis of the story in which the hero faces his or her greatest fear and tastes death.

9. The Reward
The moment in which the hero is reborn in some sense and enjoys the benefits of the Special World.

10. The Road Back
The hero commits to finishing the adventure and leaves or is chased out of the Special World.

11. The Resurrection
A climactic test that purifies, redeems, and transforms the hero on the threshold of home.

12. Return with the Elixir
The hero comes home and shares what has been gained on the quest, which benefits friends, family, community and the world.

Why We Must Speak in "Visual Story"

About Me

Harold Hay is an award-winning writer, producer and director, who lives in Florence, Kentucky. He has produced numerous television shows, including 180 videos and “The Zone,” which aired on over 200 stations in North America and 15 television networks worldwide. His programs have been honored by both the NRB and the GMA for best program of the year. He is the author of the recent book, “The Red Pill, The Cure for Today’s Mass Media Culture,” which is considered a definitive work on the state of media and culture. He also has created a faith-based educational program for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in media, film or TV. Currently, he is the president of Flannelgraph Ministries and the founder of Media Missionary School